What can I not I take with me to a mental health ward?
This will vary depending on where you are staying in hospital and risk assessments on that ward.
There are a number of items that may not be permitted on the ward, due to a risk that they could be used to harm the patient or others. Certain items may also be restricted as they could affect the care and wellbeing of another patient. High value and expensive items can also be at risk of being stolen And these may be kept safe and locked away initially when you are unwell, and returned to you once your mental state improves.
A list of typical items restricted or prohibited on a mental health ward
- Aerosols (deodorant cans, air freshener)
- Alcohol
- Cans of food or drink
- Chemical products and cleaning fluids
- Cutlery
- Glass bottles (perfume)
- High value items (such as jewellery and electrical equipment)
- Large amounts of cash (you are likely to be allowed smaller amounts which can be spent on ordering food or items that you would like to buy to make your stay on the ward more comfortable)
- Magnets
- Mirrors
- Needles (for injection or sewing)
- Plastic bags
- Pornography (magazines or film)
- Sharps (knives, razors, blades)
- Tobacco
- Recreational drugs
- Ropes, strings, wires or cords (this may include phone chargers or other electricals, the nurses will often label this and keep it in their office for you, to make charging easier)
- Solvents and inflammable liquids
- Vape fluid (you are often supplied with a vape, or able to buy your own; however unmarked fluids are likely to be locked away due to the risk of tampering and contamination)
- Weapons.
Some items are strictly prohibited and may be disposed of (weapons, drugs, tobacco), whilst others may be stored away from the ward in a locked container and returned on discharge or once your mental state improves (glass perfume bottles, lighters, high value items such as jewellery).
What happens on admission
Bags, belongings and clothes are likely to be searched on admission, to ensure that unsafe items are not brought onto the ward. Your belongings will then be brought back to you in your allocated room. You can request to be present when your bags are being searched; so that you know where things are, and so that you can ask for certain items to be locked away safely.
Wards vary
Please keep in mind that the list of prohibited items may be different depending on where you are staying and the risk assessments on that ward. Items other than those listed above may be deemed as something that could be dangerous (or at risk of being stolen).
Visitors
Whether you are a patient, friend, or relative and are uncertain what to bring, it is helpful to speak with one of the team members on the ward, to ask for advice.
Summary
We have described what can I not I take with me on to a mental health ward. We hope you understand it better now.
